“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24–25 ESV

If you fear you are falling behind in life, remember this: Surrender may not lead you as fast and as far as you want to go from the perspective of earthly success, but it keeps you in step with the One who has the best plan for your life.

I wholeheartedly believe (and am living proof) that God wants to and will bless us, and that His plans for us are so good. But He is most concerned with us becoming more like Him. True fulfill-ment is found only in knowing and following Jesus.

I am learning that I don’t need to know as much as I think to move forward in what God has called me to. Does anyone remember the song “Following the Leader” from Peter Pan? It says we follow wherever the leader may go. That’s it. We don’t always have to know where we are going, what step to take next, or what to do. We simply must stay in step with the One we are following wherever He leads.

I recognize that some of you may be in seasons where you have decisions to make or are seeking clarity on what steps to take. My encouragement to you would be to diligently seek the One you are following above all else. Live a life of obedience to Him.

Sometimes He will give you very specific directions. Other times, you will have to step forward and decide or go in a direction with a simple desire to honor Him in all that you do.

In a culture that’s saturated by social media, it’s easy to associate following Jesus with these big, extravagant moments. There’s a place for those moments, but often, following Him looks like the simple and mundane. It looks like the decisions made when no one else is watching. It’s all miraculous because of who He is. Be less consumed with the “what,” “where,” and “when” and be more consumed with the “who” it’s all about. As you remain uncompromising in your decision to follow Jesus (living in obedience to His Word and His voice), you will look back and see His faithfulness in ordering your every step—even when you felt like you lacked clarity and felt you were behind.

If you are following Him, you are not falling behind. You are right on time.